In Memorial Day speech, IDF chief says army won’t allow Iran to ‘realize its ambitions’ against Israel

Speaking at the Memorial Day ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir says the military will not allow Iran to “realize its ambitions” against Israel.

“We returned the hostages home from Hamas captivity. We established new security anchors on the Gaza Strip border and on the Syrian border. In Lebanon, we are acting to create a new reality and to return security to the northern communities,” he says.

“We set out on an unprecedented campaign against the Iranian regime, which for years built a plan for the destruction of the State of Israel and developed practical capabilities to realize it,” Zamir continues.

He says the IDF “did not remain silent in the face of our historical mission. We struck with power and thwarted the regime’s plans. We will continue to stand on guard, we will not allow Iran to realize its ambitions, and we will ensure the eternity of Israel.”

Zamir says that the military will “forever walk girded with a sword to ensure a vision of prosperity, growth, and peace for our children and grandchildren.”

In comments aimed at the ultra-Orthodox community, who largely do not serve in the military, he says: “To realize the vision, we are required as a people, from all parts of the nation, to have deep partnership in the security mission and to bear the burden through learning and change.”

“This campaign teaches us that these are necessary conditions for our military strength and that cohesion is a condition for our existence,” Zamir adds.